Jefferson Nickel
Country of Origin: USA
Year of Issue: 1938-Present
Denomination: 5 Cents / Nickel
Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel (except 1942-1945 Wartime Silver Nickels)
Brief Description
A blurry circular coin appearing to be a US five-cent piece featuring Thomas Jefferson.
Historical Significance
Replaced the Buffalo Nickel in 1938; features Thomas Jefferson, third US President and author of the Declaration of Independence.
Estimated Value
$0.05 - $0.25 for common circulated dates; up to $50+ for high-grade early dates or key varieties
Care Instructions
Do not clean with abrasives or chemicals. Store in a cool, dry place inside an archival-safe holder (PVC-free flip or folder).
Mint Mark
Variable (P, D, or S) located on the reverse next to Monticello (pre-2004) or on the obverse (post-2004)
Mintage & Rarity
Common for most dates; tens to hundreds of millions minted annually
Weight & Diameter
5.0 grams / 21.2 mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Unverifiable due to blurry image; appears circulated
Obverse (Front)
Profile of Thomas Jefferson. Post-2005 versions feature a forward-facing portrait.
Reverse (Back)
A depiction of Monticello, Jefferson's Virginia estate, with legends 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition (grade), mint mark, year of issue, and presence of 'full steps' on Monticello
Similar Coins
Buffalo Nickels (1913-1938), Liberty Head Nickels (1883-1913)
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check for correct weight (5.0g) and clear details in the lettering; counterfeits are rare for common nickels but appear in high-value rarities.
Notable Varieties & Errors
1942-1945 silver 'War Nickels', 1939 Doubled Die Reverse, 1950-D key date, 1955 D/S mint mark variety, and various 'Speared Bison' or 'Ocean in View' Westward Journey designs (2004-2005).
Created At: 2026-06-18T16:09:49.552330